Elizabeth Lazaro Adelphi, MD | 7-12, Science, 2015

The official biography below was current at the time of the award.

Elizabeth Lazaro has been a special education teacher at Buck Lodge Middle School from 2005–2016. She is teaching science to grades six through eight, and since 2008 has served as Science Department Chair. Elizabeth uses scaffolding and substantial modification strategies in her instruction in order for her students with varying physical and intellectual challenges to access the general education curriculum. She is likewise tasked to address the goals and objectives stated in the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) of each student. In the classroom, Elizabeth employs a variety of strategies in her daily instruction, such as pictures, visuals, manipulatives, hands-on activities, and embeds video/technology presentations to address different learning styles. Her students may not be able to read fluently, or at all, and may not be able to write their names, but they can trace the letters and point/touch the correct answer from a set of two to three choices. She exposes them to real-world situations through trips. As part of professional development, Elizabeth has attended several US Naval Academy STEM workshops and trainings, where she further hones her teaching skills with the use of project-based activities. Elizabeth earned a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine and a M.A. in special education from the University of the Philippines. She is a certified teacher in special education.

• High-resolution version of the official portrait photograph
• Awardee holding Presidential certificate between Assistant to the President for Science and Technology and White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director, Dr. John P. Holdren, and Assistant Director, Directorate for Education and Human Resources, National Science Foundation, Dr. Joan Ferrini-Mundy.
• High-resolution version of the teacher profile photograph

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